Rescued wombat from Fitzroy Falls a reminder to watch out on winter evenings and mornings

One little victim is Redgie the wombat, who was recovered from his mother's pouch after she was declared roadkill on Red Hills Road in Fitzroy Falls.

The four-month old marsupial was taken to the Native Wildlife Rescue centre in Robertson to receive further care.

Centre operator Kerstin Schweth said more marsupials are killed as the days become darker.

"It is getting darker earlier," she said.

"Because the animals are nocturnal, they are out in those peak travel times times."

She also mentioned that the amount of animals being brought to the centre for rehabilitation is on the rise.

"There are less animals this year, but only because too many animals disappeared in the bushfires."

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Mrs Schweth advised that if Highlands and Talblelands residents discover an abandoned or orphaned animal, they should wrap them in a blanket.

"They need a heat source," she said.

"Once an animal is cold, it is difficult to warm them up.

"We can't give them a drink unless they are warm."

Redgie was 600 grams when he was taken to the centre, and has since gained 200 grams and been provided with a milk formula.

"We can bring them up from 100 grams," she added.

He was partnered with another orphaned wombat to prepare them for their eventual release into the wild.

"Animals need to learn from each other, and not have an imprint from humans, to have a chance to survive in the wild," Mrs Schweth added.

"They need to be strong enough and mature enough to to survive in the wild.

"Wombats need to know how to burrow, dig, defend and find food and water for themselves."

Mrs Schweth is authorised to care for animals under the not-for-profit organisation Wildlife Rescue South Coast.

If Highlands and Tablelands residents discover an abandoned or orphaned animal, they can contact WIRES or the Native Wildlife Rescue 24/7 hotline on 0482427214.

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